Three years after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot campaigned on a pledge to reduce fines and fees, the city issued over 1 million parking tickets in the first half of 2022 – a 25% bump from the same period a year earlier.
“Anything that enhances or expands the roles of public sector unions in our state, is from a financial standpoint at a minimum, likely to result in a higher cost of living for Illinois residents, regardless of your class, retired or working. I think this amendment will negatively affect anyone who is a taxpayer.”
OPEC decided to slow down oil production. Every state can expect higher gas prices, but Illinois taxes make the pain worse.
Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.
"Amendment 1 wants to give union bosses more power and raise taxes again? I can’t vote for this!”
The Cook County College Teachers Union voted to strike by the end of October if an agreement is not reached. Union members are demanding subsidies for student housing and child care costs along with higher wages and smaller classes.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker took the debate stage claiming property taxes in Illinois have gone down thanks to his administration. In truth, the average Illinois family is paying over $2,000 more in property taxes than before he took office.
Statewide commercial property tax extensions are on pace to total $11.3 billion by 2026. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $1.8 billion increase.
Illinois will contribute $450 million to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. With $1.4 billion in debt remaining, Illinois businesses are on the hook if lawmakers don’t meet the Nov. 10 deadline.
Despite proponents’ claims, the rights outlined in Amendment 1 cannot apply to non-government employees. U.S. Supreme Court precedent already makes that clear. So did the proposal’s Illinois Senate sponsor.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot earmarked $442 million to help pay down Chicago’s $46.9 billion pension debt. The Civic Federation said stop-gap measures will only delay future property tax hikes unless there’s statewide pension reform.
Tyson Foods is relocating 500 employees from Chicago and Downers Grove offices to the corporate headquarters in Arkansas. The meat processor is the sixth company to leave Illinois this year.
This week’s Policy Shop is by Director of Fiscal and Economic Research Bryce Hill. We’re about one month out from midterm elections across the country. Foremost in voters’ minds? The economy. Will Illinois’ gubernatorial candidates dodge this topic, or give it the focus it deserves? We’ll find out as Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Republican challenger Darren...